I'm off to Thailand in June/July and want a bit of advice. I've been to Tonsai before but am thinking about spending some time at Phi Phi as well. How do people rate the climbing/holiday fun of the two? Also I wonder if Phi Phi has much of a range in grades? Some of us climb around 20, but I'm worried our resident hard man will get bored and sooky.

Phi phi has some great climbing from 6a to 7c. I went to drinking wall mainly. Its an apt name for the island as its basically a town where Swedish and Aussie kids get smashed. To me it represents a lost paradise.... It has amazing natural beauty. If your hardman is not satisfied and gives you a hard time, challenge him to a fist fight. There is a specially made ring for tourists! (presumably to fight for the affections of some young damsel)...

Drinking Wall gets its name from how it drips and runs with water in the wet season. It's also the worst spot on the island for mosquitos so bring plenty of spray. There also used to be a resident hornet nest. Good climbing in the 7's though.

A handful of routes in the 7's and an 8a, I think, were rebolted at Hin Taak, out in the bay, about five years ago. With your back to the sea when you get off the long tail boat (which you need to get out there), they're to the right of the multi-pitch (Happy Banana) and at the very back, through some trees. They'll be in Sam Lightner's guide I suppose, as they are old routes.

There's a 7a or b at the far left end of the main tower where all the easy climbing is.